135 yards with a 6" .357 magnum. I was in the mountains of New Mexico. I think you are over thinking the barrel length problem. If you like a longer barrel get it, If you prefer a shorter barrel get it, at hunting ranges you or your target animal won't notice the difference, Marksmanship will count for more than barrel length,

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Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.
--Daniel Webster--